Does Winter Make You Blue?

Paul Fritz, MD, is Director of the Department of Psychiatry at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital. He is a partner in the practice of P.J. Physicians, P.C. in Port Jefferson.

Despite all the bright holiday lights and the season of giving, many people feel sad or depressed this time of year. It's common to have trouble waking up on cold, dark winter mornings, or to eat more and gain weight. In addition, the pressure to have the "perfect" holiday can aggravate anxiety and cause stress.

But for some people these symptoms may be exaggerated to the point where they find it difficult to function. In those cases, the problem could be seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Commonly known as the "winter blues," SAD is a type of depression that is tied to the changing of the seasons, usually appearing in the fall, peaking in winter and ending in spring. SAD is most common in areas where winter days are very short, and it affects women more than men. SAD commonly appears for the first time in the 30s, although it can appear as early as childhood.

Although the exact causes of SAD are unknown, it is believed that the reduction in sunlight may disrupt sleep patterns and other circadian rhythms. It may also cause changes in the amount of serotonin produced by the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that helps contribute to a feeling of well-being by regulating moods.

Common symptoms of SAD include feeling sad or depressed, irritable, moody or anxious; eating more and craving carbohydrates; weight gain; and feeling drowsy during the day despite sleeping longer. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities.

To treat SAD, doctors often prescribe various light therapies that involve being exposed to a bright light for at least a half hour, usually in the morning. One type of light therapy known as "dawn simulation" involves a light that gradually increases in intensity just before the individual awakens in the morning.  

Antidepressants may be prescribed to help improve the balance of chemicals in the brain. Counseling may help individuals to understand and manage SAD.  Exercising, especially in the morning, can help boost energy levels and chase away those blues.

Talk to your doctor if you believe you may be experiencing SAD. Because many of these symptoms are similar to non-seasonal depression, tell your doctor if your depression appears at the same time every year and also whether you have any close relatives who have been diagnosed with SAD.

To reduce anxiety and stress this time of year, it's always a good idea to have realistic expectations during the holidays. Things will never be perfect. Instead of focusing on yourself and your to-do list, slow down and focus on the needs of others.

Many people with depression never seek help, but thanks to dedicated research, proven treatment methods are available. As with most diseases, the earlier the treatment begins the more effective it is and the better the chance for recovery. 

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